Lay Complaint Committee Member

IPSO is the independent regulator of the majority of the newspaper, magazine and digital news industry in the UK. We are looking for a new lay member to join IPSO's Complaints Committee.

Members of the Committee examine editorial processes, consider concerns about journalistic practice, and protect freedom of expression. Their work encourages good practice in newsrooms and provides a valuable public service.

The Committee, which meets 8-10 times each year, discusses and rules on complaints about content published by digital and print media regulated by IPSO. It is made up of lay members and former senior editors from different journalism sectors.

The Committee members have a key role in making decisions on whether there has been a breach of the Editors Code of Practice - the framework IPSO uses to regulate the press - in individual cases. They also read and make decisions on cases circulated electronically each week.

The work is extremely varied; and Committee members must reach judgements on how the Code applies to many different types of journalism, on many different subjects.

This will be one of the lay posts on the committee, so candidates should not be connected to current or potential IPSO-regulated publishers.

The successful applicant will have outstanding analytical skills as well as excellent verbal and written communication skills. They will be interested in editorial standards and balancing freedom of expression with other rights of individuals.

The successful person will not be expected to have any specialist knowledge of regulation nor experience of panel work. We are looking for people whose experiences and perspectives complement the variety of those currently represented on the Committee. You can see the current membership of the Committee on IPSO website.

Equal opportunities

IPSO is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities within the organisation through the way we manage the organisation and provide services to the community.

We want to create a culture which recognises, values, and respects that people are different. We believe that representing the diversity of the society in which we work is fundamental to our goals of protecting people and promoting freedom of expression.

We are committed to promoting a fair and inclusive workplace where all our people can flourish and reach their full potential. We know diverse teams allow for a more creative and productive environment and we strongly encourage applications from a wide range of people regardless of disability, ethnicity or sexual orientation, age, gender/sex, gender identity or expression, religion, belief, or social background.

Details and how to apply

A role description is available on IPSO website via the button below.

Remuneration for Committee members is £1,225.00 per month plus reasonable expenses to attend Committee meetings when required.

Candidates are required to attach a Diversity Monitoring form, which can be found here . Please note that although this form is required for applications to be considered, candidates are free to opt out of any questions.

To apply, please send your CV and cover letter explaining your interest in the role and relevant experience and skills, along with the Diversity Monitoring form by an email. The deadline for applications is by 5.30pm on Wednesday 13th November.